Robin van Persie to Fenerbahce: Dutch striker has no grudges over departure from Manchester United

Robin van Persie has left Manchester United to join Fenerbahce (Getty Images)

Robin van Persie has completed his move to Fenerbahce for an undisclosed fee, with the former Manchester United striker being unveiled before a crowd of 10,000 at the Turkish club’s stadium.

The 31-year-old Dutchman has reportedly signed a three-year contract and joins former Old Trafford team-mate Nani at the Istanbul club.

He joined United from Arsenal for £24m in 2012 and finished as the Premier League’s top scorer in his debut season as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side won the title. But he scored 10 goals in 29 appearances last season and struggled for form and fitness.

Van Persie confirmed that he had spoken with other clubs and that while he knew he had no future at Old Trafford, he held no grudges.

“It was a situation where I could see it coming, if I’m really honest,” he said of his departure. “I could get used to the idea for quite a bit. It was not a situation where it was just happening from day to day so I could get used to the situation – that is football.

“From my side, there are no hard feelings. It’s part of football, it’s part of life. I had a good moment with the players the day before I came to Istanbul so that was special.

Van Persie reserved high praise for United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward: “The way he dealt with this is from a high level, it’s very classy, he proved he’s a true gentlemen in the way he dealt with the situation. Ed, if you’re listening, thank you!”

PA